Rice head men's basketball coach Ben Braun announced on Monday that point guard Max Guercy, who led Mission Hills (CA) Alemany High School to its first Division III CIF state championship, has signed a letter of intent to play for the Owls next season.

"We are excited about Max joining our program," Braun said. "He is a proven winner who has played on a big stage. He led his team to their first state title by making his teammates better with his abilities to distribute the basketball as well as scoring when needed on offense. He applies tremendous pressure on the defensive end with his ability on the press."

"I feel that I have built quality relationships with the coaching staff and I feel I can contribute into the Rice system and make an impact," Guercy said. "I'm excited to be an Owl."

Guercy (5-9, 170) was a four-year starter for coach Tray Meeks at Alemany and led the team to a 33-4 record as a senior, culminating with a 71-67 win over Sacred Heart Cathedral in which he scored 19 points and pulled down eight rebounds. He averaged 18 points as a senior along with four assists and four rebounds.

He earned first-team CIF Division 3 All State honors and was the Division 3A Co-Player of the Year. He was the Mission League CO-MVP while leading Alemany to their first league title since 1999.